War Enters Second Month as Diplomatic Channels Remain Open

Reports 06:53 PM - 2026-03-28

U.S., Israel, and Iran flags.

When the Israel–U.S. war against Iran began on 28 February, observers expected the fighting to last only a few weeks and to end shortly after initial strikes targeting political figures, commanders and military positions. However, the conflict has now entered its second month, with both sides reportedly showing some willingness to engage in talks, creating uncertainty among analysts.

Casualty Statistics

The reported casualty figures remain severe. According to the Hrana Rights Activists News Agency, 3,389 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the war, including 1,527 civilians, among them at least 228 children.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Red Crescent has also stated that around 1,900 civilians have been killed in air strikes in Iran so far.

In the Kurdistan Region, latest figures indicate that 13 people have been killed, including six Peshmergas of the Kurdistan Region, with more than 53 others wounded, partly as a result of attacks on bases of  Eastern Kurdistan parties.

Meanwhile, 95 soldiers and armed fighters have reportedly been killed in Iraq. 

According to the Israeli National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), 19 people have been killed and 5,492 injured.

Latest figures also suggest that 13 U.S. soldiers have been killed and 162 others wounded, including 12 injured in an Iranian missile strike on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan air base.

Yemen's Houthies Entered War

Following the Lebanese Hezbollah, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis launched missiles at Israel on Saturday, their first such attack since the start of the Iran war, heightening the risk that a conflict now in its fifth week could expand further across the region. The Houthi Spokesman Yahya Saree said that they have conducted a military operation against Israel using ballistic missiles for the first time.

The Israeli army confirmed the attack, stating that it had responded to the incoming missiles.

Meanwhile, attention remains focused on Israel’s expected response, with concerns that the escalation could widen the conflict and potentially draw in Yemen.

War and Dialogue Both Open

U.S. has forwarded a 15-point proposal to Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, with Pakistan acting as an intermediary in delivering the plan. 

In parallel, the U.S. President Donald Trump has extended a moratorium on attacks against Iran’s energy infrastructure until early April to provide additional time for diplomatic engagement, saying that talks with Iran were going "very well." 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied that direct talks are taking place with the Washington administration, but confirmed that messages are being exchanged through friendly countries.

Germany’s foreign minister on Friday said preparations are underway for a direct meeting between representatives of the U.S. and Iran as part of diplomatic efforts to end the war in Iran.

“This is reportedly set to take place in Pakistan in the very near future,” Johann Wadephul told public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk. He added that, according to what he knows, prior to this there have been indirect contacts. He described the news as “the first sign of hope and confidence.”

Despite ongoing negotiations, the U.S. continues to send military and has deployed three aircraft carriers to waters in the Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are currently operating in the region, while a third carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, is reportedly en route from waters off Virginia. In addition, more than 10,000 additional U.S. troops are being deployed to the region.

However, questions remain over the overall war strategy, with analysts pointing to a lack of clarity regarding its objectives and end goals, amid conflicting statements within different branches of the U.S. administration.



PUKMEDIA